Refereeing at New Farm soccer

In 2019 we are proud to announce development of a formal Club Referee Program to establish community development of our youth to be able to install the skills and confidence necessary to referee ages U8-U11 games. In conjunction with Football Brisbane, we will offer formal training starting in late January or early February. If you are interested please register your interest above and we will contact you when the official induction is scheduled.

This is available for local New Farm and Teneriffe kids from about age 12 or 13 but this relies solely on maturity level. Referees are only allowed to ref games two years younger than yourselves or younger (for example 12yo referees can referee U8-U10's, 16yo can referee U8-U14's).

It’s not an easy job to referee a game of soccer, especially when the players are only a few years younger than you. So congratulations to the 12-17 year olds who are taking up this challenge.

Club Referees earn $12-16 per game for U8-U11 games. Older levels usually have professional Football Referees but there may be opportunities to do a Linesman job in your second year of Club Referee. These also pay $12-16.

Referees need to approach the Canteen AFTER the game to sign the ref sheet and collect cash payment.

What are my responsibilities as a Club Referee?

Besides actual refereeing of the game, Club Referees are responsible for:

Turning up 45 minutes prior to kick-off

Knowing how many minutes each half is for the age level you're refereeing

Bring a watch to keep time, or ask a team manager to do so if you don't have one

Do not ask the coach, as they are not allowed to keep time

Ensuring you have a whistle

Locating 2-3 match balls, ensuring that they are pumped up for the game

Providing player safety

Introducing yourselves to the coach of both the home team and away team

Throughout the year you may also be asked to

Fill out online surveys to refresh knowledge of game rules

Attend extra Referee training sessions

Mentor new referees

Refereeing information per age level:

U6 & U7 In-house competitions

These games do not have official referees, and rather are looked after by the team coaches who act as 'game leaders' to keep the game moving smoothly (i.e. encouraging/instructing the kids and blowing the whistle if the ball goes out etc)

U8-U11 - Junior non-competitive

Teams are not allowed to utilise the same referee all year, they must be rotated through our Club Referee Program

This is to ensure players do not adjust their game strategies to the referee style

Home games are allocated a referee prior to game day, usually by Thursday

New Farm United Soccer Club fully supports this pathway and recognises this as the next step in advancing a Referee career if a Club Ref chooses to do so. There are many opportunities for professional referees to travel and it is a great option for those who can handle the heat of soccer refereeing.

TIPS FOR JUNIOR REFEREES

These tips are designed for young referees who are just starting out refereeing non-competitive U8-U11 games.

Before you arrive, make sure you know the name of the team and Manager you are refereeing for (and kick-off time!).

Introduce yourself to each team’s Coach/Manager. Don’t be afraid to clarify any rules such as Drinks Breaks with the coaches.

Mentor. When you first start out, it’s helpful to have a trusted adult come to the game with you for support and advice. In some instances the club will provide you with a more experienced referee to mentor you.

Keeping time. It is technically the job of the referee to keep time for the match. However, a team manager will often do this for you when you are starting out. Coaches are not allowed to keep time, to avoid bias.

Know the rules. Read the rules for the age group you are going to referee. Visit the Miniroos website or check the miniroos rules posted within the clubhouse prior to the game.

Instructing rather than enforcing. In Miniroos (U8-U11) the referee’s job is to instruct players on how to behave and enforce the rules, with minimal blowing of the whistle. You should also assist players with learning aspects of the game such as what a foul is and what a free kick is. Remember that some of these players may be unfamiliar with basic rules.

Pay attention. Always, always, be alert. Look like you’re interested and physically keep up with the game so you can see what’s going on.

Blow the whistle loudly and clearly. Only call what you see and, most importantly, try to be consistent.

Some of the trickier rules. Although you don’t call offside until U12, it is good to discourage players from standing in blatant offside positions particularly as they get into U10/11. The same goes for throw-ins, where you probably won’t call a player for lifting their foot but you should instruct them on the correct technique using words such as "try and keep both feet down".

Play on. If the violation was accidental (eg ball bumps a player’s arm) and there is no advantage gained, then let the players play. It is a good idea to call ‘play on, advantage’ to show that you saw the incident.

Be encouraging and kind to young players. Parents and players will really appreciate words of encouragement. Always explain your calls so the players are learning.

Injury. With young players it’s important to stop the game if someone gets injured. Check if they’re ok and, if necessary, call over a coach or parent.

Handling conflict. Small conflicts between players should be handled by blowing the whistle and offering a few calm words of explanation and warning. If play is rough, it’s better to call it up before it gets out of hand. If necessary, stop play and call over both the coaches.

Rely on your Ground Official. There will always be a Ground Official (wearing the high-vis vest) on duty at New Farm. They are your ‘go-to’ club official if you need advice or to report a problem. During a game, you could ask the Team Manager to get the Ground Official if they are not nearby (so you don’t have to leave the game).

Debrief. Use every game as a learning experience. If possible, after the game, have a quick chat to the coach or a parent to see if they have any feedback for you.​

Shake hands with each coach before leaving the field at the end of the game, thanking them for the game. This garners respect as your position as Club Referee and builds confidence.

Location

Corner of Sydney & Brunswick Street, New Farm QLD 4005 AUSTRALIA

We are a community soccer club in New Farm

New Farm United Soccer Club (NFUSC) is locating in New Farm Park which is only 2km from Brisbane CBD. Our club is aiming to provide several types of football coaching to local kids from grass roots beginner lessons to advanced junior football levels (Brisbane Youth Premier League or Divisional Leagues in Football Brisbane). We believe we can create great football coaching pathway into NPL and QPL levels through our junior football coaching.

Contact Us

Please contact with our club about any inquiries regarding football, events, sponsorships.